The entrance to Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about two hours and 15 minutes northwest of Wheeling. Ohio’s only national park is full of gorgeous waterfalls, vibrant forests, and 100 miles of the Cuyahoga River. Over 125 miles of trails take hikers, bikers, and horseback riders through woods, wetlands, ravines, and more. Other fantastic activities to do here include stargazing, golfing, kayaking, canoeing, and bird-watching.
New River Gorge National Park is roughly three and a half hours south of Wheeling. There are plenty of lovely places to hike and camp in this West Virginia park’s 70,000 acres. The New River itself is a premier destination for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Primitive RV campsites are available in the park; some of these are free. Don’t forget to check out the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the Western Hemisphere’s longest steel-span bridge. Other awesome places to visit in New River Gorge National Park include Sandstone Falls, Fayette Station Road, Nuttallburg, and Thurmond.
Three hours east of New River Gorge is Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This sizable portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to numerous streams, forests, peaks, and mountain vistas. Plenty of local plants and animals also call this 300-square-mile national park home. Whether you want to hike on the national park’s own trails or the famous Appalachian Trail, you’ll have numerous pathways at your disposal. Some of the park’s trails allow pets on them, so you’ll be able to take your four-legged friend on your trek if you choose the right path.
Barkcamp State Park is only 25 minutes west of Wheeling, so you won’t have to drive far into Ohio to reach this picturesque state park on Barkcamp Creek and Belmont Lake. The lake and creek provide a bevy of places to swim, fish, and boat; in the winter, they become excellent locations for ice fishing and ice skating. On dry land, plenty of hiking and biking trails wind through forests, hills, and rocky terrain. Fun wintertime activities you can do on the park’s trails and slopes include cross-country skiing and sledding. If you want to camp here, you can take advantage of one of the 150 RV sites that offer electric hookups.
You can reach Beaver Creek State Park by driving an hour north of Wheeling into Ohio. Little Beaver Creek is a fabulous place to go swimming, boating, and fishing. The Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center has multiple educational exhibits about local fauna. If you want to see a replica village from the pioneer days, then you should explore Pioneer Village. Multiple trails meander through this park’s more than 2,700 acres of lovely West Virginia countryside.
Another high-quality state park in Ohio is Salt Fork State Park, which is about 50 minutes west of Wheeling. More than 20,000 acres of land and water combine to form Ohio’s largest state park. Salt Fork Lake is a fantastic location for swimming, boating, and fishing. Several marinas and a sizable swimming beach provide numerous ways to enjoy Salt Fork Lake. Plenty of trails take hikers, bikers, and riders through some picturesque Ohio wilderness. The park also contains an 18-hole golf course, a nature center, and an archery range. Since this park boasts more than 170 RV campsites, it’s a great place to park your camper.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Wheeling, WV without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Wheeling, WV?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Wheeling, WV, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Wheeling, WV?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Wheeling, WV particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Wheeling, WV that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.